Sarawak Premier Eyes MASwings Acquisition to Launch Global Routes
Sarawak’s Premier, Abang Johari Openg, is determined to establish a state-based airline, with plans to acquire regional operator MASwings (MY, Kota Kinabalu) from Malaysia Aviation Group. Despite ongoing negotiations with the federal government and state-owned stakeholders, he remains optimistic about finalizing the deal by the end of this month.
The envisioned airline aims to extend its network far beyond regional operations, targeting international destinations such as Frankfurt, Jakarta, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Korea, and Japan. This ambitious plan includes acquiring long-haul aircraft, which would mark a significant upgrade from MASwings’ current ATR fleet.
Abang Johari has proposed that Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund, Khazanah Nasional, finance the acquisition. If the deal proceeds, Hornbill Skyways, a Kuching-based aviation operator linked to the state government, is expected to manage the airline, which may also undergo rebranding.
The Premier argues that Sarawak’s capital, Kuching, is underserved by current airlines or suffers from inflated ticket prices. Establishing a local airline, he believes, would enhance tourism, boost economic development, and provide affordable travel options for residents and visitors alike.
Currently, Kuching International Airport is served by eight passenger airlines, including Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Royal Brunei Airlines, connecting to 17 destinations across five countries: Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, and Hong Kong.
Abang Johari’s vision underscores his commitment to positioning Sarawak as a global player in aviation, leveraging the potential acquisition of MASwings to expand regional and international connectivity.
Related News: https://airguide.info/category/magazineonline/airlines/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com